Taylor Dance will be presenting a Winter Theater Festival during which The PlayHouse will perform "Cinderella," and The PlayHouse Jr. will perform "Lemonade" at the Southern Pines Primary School Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 22.

The PlayHouse Jr. is made up of young students experiencing drama for the first time. Under the direction of Carol Johnson, they have had fun learning new songs, choreography and their lines. Johnson has also had them busy painting murals, making props and stretching their imaginations.

"It's a wonderful way for a child to grow in spirit and confidence," she says.

"Lemonade" is a wonderful story about when "life gives us lemons, we make lemonade." Mother Goose runs the lemonade stand and gives perspective to numerous fairytale characters, and proves that things often are not quite as bad as they seem.

"It's all about fun at this age," says Rita Taylor, director of Taylor Dance and the Playhouse. "It's our goal to challenge them without overwhelming them. And after their performance they can sit back and enjoy 'Cinderella.'"

"Lemonade" will run Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m.

"It's amazing how far we have come in three years," says Taylor. "It is exciting that we have kids that have now performed in more than 10 shows. Their confidence has grown as well as their credibility. They are wonderful role models for not just PlayHouse Jr. but their community as well."

There are many versions of "Cinderella" as a story and a musical. However bringing "Cinderella" to life for the PlayHouse required new perspective. Each character is unique and has been written specifically for each actor, and the music has been matched to their voice and range. Of course, the message of "Cinderella" is timeless.

"It's all the old adages coming together," says Paige Morgan, co-director. "With hard work and determination, good can triumph and dreams do come true."

For many of these children it is their dream to be on stage.

"I always wanted to be a main character, and I was so excited when I was told I would get to be comic relief portraying one of the stepsisters, Prunella," says Vanessa Lennon.

Cinderella will run Friday, Feb. 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1130 a.m. and 2:30 p.m; and on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2:30 p.m.

Taylor has no intention of letting The PlayHouse's momentum and enthusiasm slow down.

"Our next show will be 'The Wizard of Oz,'" she says. "It will include vocal and musical coaching under the direction of KC Holiday. We are really fortunate to have such a talented group of instructors to pull from. These kids have proven themselves. Their energy and enthusiasm is testimony that The PlayHouse is here to stay."

Cinderella cast members include Amani Albrecht, Hannah Bevan, Tara Brenner, Frances Capel, Elizabeth Connelly, Clair Conti, Nick Dokich, Kathryn Hasty, Vanessa Lennon, Abby Marcus, Calli McLean, Vanessa Mogensen, Joshua Mogensen, Maegan Pigg, Killian Poplyk, Adam Robins, Cayleigh Ruggiero, Kristiana Wade, Sus Wagner and Alexis Whitecar.

"Lemonade" cast members are Serena Albrecht, Brooke Ballard, Grace Lyons, Caroline McLean, Emma Sikes and Zachary White.

The Southern Pines Primary School is located at 1250 West New York Avenue.

Tickets for individual shows are children/students $5 and adults/seniors $8. And tickets for both performances, including "Cinderella" and "Lemonade" are, children/student $8 and adults/ seniors $12.

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 295-1320 or at the door.

Box office opens one hour prior to the performance.